What Is 2019 UCI Women's World Tour

Overview

The 2019 UCI Women's World Tour represented the fourth season of professional road cycling's top-tier women’s competition, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It featured a calendar of 24 races across 12 countries, spanning from March to October, showcasing the world’s best female riders and teams.

The tour aimed to elevate women’s cycling by increasing visibility, prize money, and media coverage. Events included one-day classics like Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders, as well as multi-stage races such as the Giro Rosa and The Women’s Tour.

• 24 races were held across Europe, North America, and Asia, making it a truly global series.
• The season kicked off on March 9, 2019, with the Strade Bianche in Italy, known for its gravel sectors.
• Annemiek van Vleuten dominated the individual standings, accumulating 4,099 points over the season.
• Teams earned points based on rider performances, with Mitchelton-Scott winning the team classification.
• The tour concluded with the GP de Plouay – Bretagne on August 31, though some ranking points were awarded later in October.

How It Works

The UCI Women's World Tour operates as a season-long competition where riders and teams earn points based on race results. These points determine individual and team rankings, with the top performers recognized at the end of the year.

• Points System: Riders earn points based on finishing position, with winners receiving up to 125 points in major races. Higher-tier events offer more points.
• Team Classification: The team with the highest cumulative points from its top riders wins the team title, encouraging squad depth and consistency.
• Event Categories: Races are classified as WT (Women’s World Tour), with mandatory participation for top-tier teams.
• Eligibility: Only UCI Women’s Teams and select national or regional squads can compete in World Tour events.
• Calendar Structure: The tour blends one-day classics and stage races, balancing sprinter and climber specialties across varied terrain.
• UCI Oversight: The Union Cycliste Internationale governs the tour, ensuring standardized rules, anti-doping protocols, and fair competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of select 2019 Women’s World Tour races by type, distance, and points awarded to the winner:

The table highlights the diversity of the tour, combining short, intense one-day races with grueling multi-stage events. While one-day races award up to 125 points to the winner, stage races distribute points across classifications and daily stages, rewarding consistency. The Giro Rosa, as the longest and most prestigious stage race, offered the highest total points, emphasizing its importance in the season.

Why It Matters

The 2019 UCI Women's World Tour marked a pivotal year in the growth of professional women’s cycling, setting the stage for future expansion and equity.

• Increased Visibility: More races received live coverage, boosting fan engagement and media attention for women’s cycling.
• Professional Development: The tour provided structured competition, helping riders improve and secure sponsorships.
• Gender Equity: Growing the women’s tour was a step toward parity with the men’s WorldTour in terms of organization and prestige.
• Economic Impact: Host cities benefited from tourism and global exposure during race events.
• Athlete Recognition: Standout performances, like van Vleuten’s dominance, elevated individual riders to star status.
• Foundation for Growth: The 2019 season laid groundwork for future additions, including the eventual launch of the Tour de France Femmes in 2022.

The 2019 tour demonstrated that women’s cycling could deliver world-class racing and compelling storylines, proving its value within the broader sport.